New York – Drivers across upstate New York could face accumulating snow and reduced visibility within the next several days as stronger bands set up near the Great Lakes and push inland through Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperatures across the Northeast will run near seasonal levels from Sunday through Thursday, while precipitation chances trend above average. With colder air locked in place, that pattern favors snow statewide, with the heaviest bands developing east of Lakes Erie and Ontario.
Buffalo, Rochester and Watertown could see lake-effect snow totals between 3 and 6 inches, with locally higher amounts if bands stall. Blowing snow may reduce visibility below one mile at times along I-90, I-81 and portions of the New York State Thruway. Syracuse and Albany may see lighter but steady accumulations, especially during overnight and early morning hours when pavement temperatures dip below freezing. New York City and the lower Hudson Valley could see mixed precipitation at times, but inland suburbs remain more likely to pick up measurable snow.
NYSDOT crews may treat overpasses and secondary roads overnight. Motorists should allow extra travel time, charge mobile devices and keep winter emergency kits in vehicles.
Additional advisories are possible as snow bands shift through Thursday night.
